Art on Main 2026 Sponsored by Arts Council of Henderson County

The Arts Council of Henderson County is pleased to announce the return of this highly anticipated art show.

Join us for the 67th annual Art on Main Art and Craft Show, one of the region’s most celebrated arts events. For more than six decades, Art on Main has been a cornerstone of the local arts community, welcoming artists and art lovers from across the region to experience exceptional creativity and craftsmanship.

Set in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, the event takes place along charming Main Street, where historic architecture and vibrant local businesses create a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. The picturesque setting provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend dedicated to art, community, and creativity.

Artists working in all fine art and fine craft mediums are invited to apply and be part of this longstanding tradition. Join more than 100 fellow artists for this premier Main Street art show.

Event Dates: September 26th - 27th
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Art on Main Art & Craft Show, presented by the Arts Council of Henderson County, is one of the region’s premier outdoor art events. The show was recognized on Sunshine Artist’s Top 200 List in 2019 and continues to attract artists and visitors from across the Southeast.

The event takes place along Main Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, with a street layout designed to allow for spacious booth setups and an enjoyable experience for both artists and visitors. Creating a safe, welcoming environment for artists and the public remains our top priority.

The Arts Council implements an extensive marketing campaign to promote the show and attract art enthusiasts and buyers from Henderson County, neighboring communities, and surrounding metropolitan areas including Charlotte, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Atlanta.

A defining feature of Art on Main is the opportunity for visitors to meet artists and engage in informal conversations about their work, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing the overall show experience.

Fees

• Booth Fee: $300

• Double Booth: Available for an additional $300 booth fee (subject to availability)

• Electrical Fee: $50 (optional)

Setup & Load-In
Artist setup will begin on Friday, September 25. Due to downtown traffic and event logistics, early load-in will not be permitted. Detailed load-in instructions will be provided in artist welcome packets once accepted and closer to the event date itself.

PLEASE READ, UPDATES HAVE BEEN MADE

Load-In & Load-Out Requirements
Load-in and load-out procedures, including all assigned dates and times, are non-negotiable and must be strictly followed by all participating artists. No exceptions will be made.

For safety and city compliance reasons, no vehicles will be permitted on Main Street for any reason after the designated load-in period has ended or before the official load-out time begins.

Artists must be able to complete setup during the scheduled load-in window and remain in place for the full duration of the event. Daily teardown and reloading of booths is not permitted. Artists who are unable to load in on the designated day or who require nightly load-out should not apply.

Failure to comply with load-in or load-out procedures may result in removal from the event and may affect eligibility for future Art on Main shows.

Original Work
All artwork displayed must be original and created entirely by the exhibiting artist. The use of pre-made kits, commercial molds, or mass-produced components is strictly prohibited.

Appropriate Content
To maintain a family-friendly environment, all artwork and booth displays must reflect a wholesome and publicly appropriate atmosphere.

Accepted Medium
Artists may exhibit work only in the medium(s) for which they were accepted. Artists wishing to exhibit in multiple mediums must submit a separate application and pay the required jury fee for each category.

Originals & Reproductions
At least 60% of all work displayed must be original creations. Up to 40% may consist of reproductions, provided they are clearly labeled as reproductions.

Application Accuracy
Images submitted during the application process must accurately represent the quality, style, and price range of the artwork that will be exhibited and offered for sale at the event.

Booth Assignment
Exhibition spaces are assigned by event management and may not be transferred or shared with another artist. Artists must occupy their designated booth space only. Any artist who moves into an unassigned space will be required to relocate and may forfeit eligibility for future Art on Main events.

Waitlist Process
A waitlist will be established based on jury scores within each category. Artists selected for the waitlist will be notified of their status and contacted if space becomes available.

Booth Requirements

• Only white tents measuring 10' x 10' are permitted.

• All tents must be securely weighted with a minimum of 40 lbs. per tent leg at all times.

• Stakes are prohibited due to street installation requirements.

• In accordance with Fire Marshal regulations, all canopies must display a fire-retardant certificate or sewn-in fire-retardant label.

Booth Appearance
Artists are responsible for maintaining a clean and professional booth space at all times. Trash, clutter, or untidy areas surrounding booths are not permitted.

Noise Policy
Noise levels must be kept to a minimum throughout the event. Radios, televisions, speakers, or other amplified devices are not permitted. Individual booth music is prohibited.

Pets
Per city regulations, pets are not allowed within the event area during show hours.

Political Displays
The display of political signs or messaging of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Artists are responsible for providing their own display equipment, including booth setup, display materials, and seating.

Electricity is available for an additional fee of $50. Artists must request electrical access in advance and include payment with their booth fee at the time of registration.

Artists are required to be present at their booths for the full duration of the event, including both show days and all operating hours. Limited booth-sitting assistance will be available upon request for brief restroom or food breaks; however, booth sitters may supervise a booth for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time.

Artists are solely responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance coverage and for the protection and security of their artwork, equipment, and personal property. Participants are expected to take reasonable precautions against theft, damage, or misuse. The Art on Main Fine Art & Fine Craft Show and the Arts Council of Henderson County assume no responsibility or liability for loss, damage, theft, or personal injury incurred during the event.

To maintain a professional presentation, all artwork must be clearly labeled with prices.

Each artist is responsible for collecting and remitting the applicable 6.75% North Carolina State and Henderson County sales tax on all sales made during the event.

All application and booth fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Should the show be cancelled due to any act of God, it is understood that there will be no refund given. If the applicant is accepted to the show, pays the booth fee, and fails to appear on the day of the show, there will be NO refund given. Any exceptions must be brought to the coordinator's attention, and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.  Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the following email address: events@acofhc.org